Connection table

Abstract

The utility model provides a connection table which comprises a supporting frame, and a workbench is arranged in the middle of the supporting frame. An operation table is arranged on the outer side of the workbench, and two parallel connection rails are arranged at the upper end of the workbench. Belt pulleys are arranged at the two ends of the connection track, and a conveying belt is arranged on the belt pulleys; first sensors are arranged at the head end and the tail end of the workbench; fixing supports are arranged above the head ends and the tail ends of the connection rails, and the vertical projections of the upper ends of the fixing supports are located between the connection rails. Second sensors are arranged at the upper ends of the fixing supports. The second sensors are additionally arranged above the head end and the tail end of the connection track, a more three-dimensional induction area is constructed, the induction accuracy of the PCB with the cavity is greatly improved, and the limitation of a traditional single inductor is overcome.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of docking station technology, and in particular to a docking station. Background Technology

[0002] A conveyor belt is a widely used piece of equipment in SMT production lines or automated assembly lines. It connects different machines and mainly consists of a frame, track, drive shaft, lead screw, conveyor motor, sensors, signal lines, and a control box. After the machine connects to the conveyor belt via signal lines, the PCB is transferred through the connection signals between the front and rear machines. The conveyor belt allows for free control of the board feeding signals from the front machine and the board request signals from the rear machine. Sensors play a crucial role in this transfer process. Manufacturers install a sensor at each end of the track under the conveyor belt. When a PCB passes a sensor, a signal LED lights up, the motor rotates, and the PCB moves along the rotating belt. With the rapid development of the SMT industry, PCB designs are becoming increasingly complex, lightweight, and irregularly shaped, with a large number of PCB panels and numerous voids between them. When a PCB passes the sensor at the transfer station during transport, the sensor signal is interrupted, resulting in a serious sensing anomaly. The current transport action is not completed before the preceding machine discharges the PCB to the transfer station, or the PCB at the following machine is not inspected (placed) before the transfer station discharges the waiting PCB to the following machine. This causes multiple PCBs on the equipment track, PCB jamming, PCB chasing, and PCB overlap between the transfer station and the equipment, leading to PCB product scrap. This design modifies (adds) track sensors to the transfer station. Based on the original factory design, a sensor is added above each end of the track entrance and exit. The position of these sensors can be flexibly adjusted slightly. When a PCB passes the sensors, both sensors function, reducing signal interruptions caused by sensors hitting gaps, reducing jamming, PCB chasing, and PCB overlap anomalies, and lowering the PCB product scrap rate.

[0003] Traditional transfer stations, with their single sensors at both ends of the track, have significant limitations during production. While they can meet the normal sensing needs of most conventional PCBs without voids, they cannot handle PCBs with many voids. Such PCBs frequently experience sensing failures during transport. Voids in the PCB as it enters the transfer station from the upper machine interrupt the sensing signal. Even if the PCB hasn't completely moved to the lower-level machine and the sensor hasn't discharged it, the transfer station continues to send a request signal to the upper-level machine, which then sends another PCB to the transfer station, leading to PCB jamming, stacking, and chasing. Technicians try to overcome these defects by applying tape and film to the sensors at each transfer station, but with little success. The daily occurrence of jammed and scrapped PCBs is repetitive, resulting in a lot of work for little benefit. Therefore, this invention proposes a transfer station to at least partially solve the problems inherent in the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the aforementioned problems, this application is made to provide a docking station that overcomes or at least partially solves the aforementioned problems.

[0005] One embodiment of this application discloses a docking station, including:

[0006] Support frame, with a worktable in the middle;

[0007] An operating platform is provided on the outer side of the workbench, and two parallel connecting tracks are provided on the upper end of the workbench; pulleys are provided at both ends of the connecting tracks, and a conveyor belt is provided on the pulleys.

[0008] The first sensor is provided at the first and second ends of the workbench;

[0009] Fixed supports are provided above the first and last ends of the connecting track, and the vertical projection of the upper end of the fixed support is located between the connecting tracks; a second sensor is provided on the upper end of the fixed support.

[0010] Preferably, a speed-regulating motor is provided below the connecting track, and the output end of the speed-regulating motor is connected to the conveyor belt.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a tension pulley, which is located on one side of the speed-regulating motor and connected to the transmission belt.

[0012] Preferably, the fixed bracket has a first end facing the X-axis direction, a second end facing the Z-axis direction, and a third end facing the Y-axis direction.

[0013] The first end is provided with a first waist hole, and the third end is provided with a second waist hole.

[0014] Preferably, a lighting lamp is provided at the upper end of the support frame.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom of the support frame is provided with adjustable feet.

[0016] Preferably, a document holder is also provided on the support frame above the connecting track.

[0017] Preferably, at least two sliding adjustment rods are provided above the workbench and below the connecting rail;

[0018] The connecting track includes at least one track with two sliding adjustment rods slidably mounted on its upper end.

[0019] This application has the following advantages:

[0020] In the embodiments of this application, a support frame is used, with a workbench in the middle; an operating table is provided on the outer side of the workbench; two parallel connecting tracks are provided on the upper end of the workbench; pulleys are provided at both ends of the connecting tracks, and conveyor belts are provided on the pulleys; a first sensor is provided at the beginning and end of the workbench; a fixed bracket is provided above the beginning and end of the connecting tracks, and the vertical projection of the upper end of the fixed bracket is located between the connecting tracks; a second sensor is provided on the upper end of the fixed bracket. By adding a second sensor above the beginning and end of the connecting tracks, a more three-dimensional sensing area is constructed, greatly improving the sensing accuracy of PCBs with voids and overcoming the limitations of traditional single sensors. Secondly, it effectively reduces faults such as board jamming, board stacking, and chasing, accurately judges the PCB conveying status, avoids false board request signals, and reduces defect rate and scrap losses. Furthermore, it greatly improves machine setup efficiency and work efficiency, and technicians no longer need to use inefficient remedial measures, allowing them to focus on key machine setup processes. Finally, it enhances equipment applicability, broadens the types of PCBs it can adapt to, and helps enterprises flexibly respond to diverse production needs. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the description of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a docking station provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A in the image;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed support structure for a docking station provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0025] In the attached diagram, 101 is the support frame; 102 is the operating table; 103 is the workbench; 104 is the connecting rail; 105 is the pulley; 106 is the conveyor belt; 107 is the speed-regulating motor; 108 is the lighting lamp; 109 is the fixed bracket; 110 is the document rack; 111 is the adjustable support leg; 191 is the first end; 192 is the second end; 193 is the third end; 194 is the first waist hole; and 195 is the second waist hole. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This application illustrates a connecting platform according to an embodiment of the present application, comprising: a support frame 101, with a workbench 103 in its middle; an operating table 102 on the outer side of the workbench 103; two parallel connecting tracks 104 on the upper end of the workbench 103; pulleys 105 at both ends of the connecting tracks 104, with conveyor belts 106 on the pulleys 105; a first sensor at the beginning and end of the workbench 103; a fixed bracket 109 above the beginning and end of the connecting tracks 104, the vertical projection of the upper end of the fixed bracket 109 being located between the connecting tracks 104; and a second sensor at the upper end of the fixed bracket 109.

[0028] In this embodiment, traditional connecting platforms use single sensors at both ends of the track. For PCB products with many holes, poor sensing can easily occur during transport. However, in this application, fixed brackets 109 are added above the first and last ends of the connecting track 104, and a second sensor is installed on the upper end of the fixed brackets 109. This makes the sensing area more comprehensive and three-dimensional, no longer limited to a single sensing point at both ends of the track. It can better handle complex situations such as holes on the PCB board, effectively avoiding signal interruption caused by holes, greatly improving the sensing accuracy for different types of PCBs (especially those with many holes), and ensuring the smooth operation of the entire connecting process.

[0029] Secondly, traditional transfer stations are prone to signal interruptions when dealing with PCBs with many openings. This can lead to the PCB not fully moving to the end sensor and being mistakenly identified as having completed transfer. The transfer station then sends a request signal to the host machine, causing the host machine to re-transfer the PCB, resulting in board jamming, stacking, and chasing issues. This application addresses this by adding a second sensor, improving the sensing mechanism. This allows the transfer station to more accurately determine the actual transfer status of the PCB. It only sends a request signal to the host machine when the PCB has truly left the transfer station completely. This fundamentally eliminates the various malfunctions caused by sensing errors, reduces the defect rate in the production process, and minimizes losses due to board jamming and scrapping.

[0030] In existing technologies, technicians previously attempted to overcome PCB defects by applying tape and film to the sensors at each docking station, but with little success. They still had to spend considerable time dealing with repetitive issues like scrapped boards, resulting in low efficiency and wasted effort. The technical solution in this application addresses this problem at the hardware level by improving the sensor setup at the docking station. This eliminates the need for technicians to frequently resort to ineffective remedial measures, allowing them to focus on more valuable tasks like machine setup and production optimization. This improves overall setup efficiency and production effectiveness, ensuring more efficient and stable production operations.

[0031] The second sensor installed on the fixed bracket 109 enables the docking station to no longer be limited to adapting only to conventional PCB products without holes. It can also effectively sense and transmit PCB products with more holes, greatly expanding the applicability of the docking station. This allows companies to complete the docking process smoothly without worrying about equipment limitations when facing production tasks of different types of PCB products, improving the utilization efficiency of the company's production equipment resources and enhancing the company's ability to meet diverse production needs.

[0032] The following will further describe one type of docking station in various exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0033] In the embodiments of this application, a speed-regulating motor 107 is provided below the connecting track 104, and the output end of the speed-regulating motor 107 is connected to the conveyor belt 106. The speed-regulating motor 107 further optimizes the performance of the connecting platform. On the one hand, the output end of the speed-regulating motor 107 is connected to the conveyor belt 106, which allows the connecting platform to flexibly adjust the conveying speed according to the process requirements, size specifications, and the connection rhythm of the preceding and following processes on the production line for different PCB products. For some precision and complex PCBs with high requirements for conveying stability, the speed can be appropriately reduced to ensure accurate conveying; when dealing with batches of conventional PCBs, the speed can be increased to improve production efficiency. On the other hand, compared with traditional fixed-speed connecting platforms, it can better adapt to dynamic changes on the production line. For example, when switching between different batches of products or responding to temporary production task adjustments, operators can quickly change the conveying rate by adjusting the speed-regulating motor 107, avoiding problems such as board jamming and accumulation caused by speed mismatch, further enhancing the overall adaptability and reliability of the equipment, and comprehensively assisting enterprises in efficient and stable production.

[0034] In embodiments of this application, a tension wheel is also included. The tension wheel is located on one side of the speed-regulating motor 107 and connected to the conveyor belt 106. By setting the tension wheel on one side of the speed-regulating motor 107 and connecting it to the conveyor belt 106, it can adjust the tension of the conveyor belt 106 at any time. During long-term, high-intensity production operations, the conveyor belt 106 inevitably experiences slack. The tension wheel can automatically compensate for this slack, ensuring that the belt always maintains appropriate tension and stably transmits PCBs. This greatly reduces the risk of transmission deviation, slippage, or even jamming caused by belt slack, ensuring the continuity of production. On the other hand, combined with the speed-regulating motor 107, when the speed-regulating motor 107 flexibly changes the transmission speed according to different PCB characteristics and production rhythm, the tension wheel can quickly adapt to the dynamic changes of the belt. Working in conjunction with the speed-regulating motor 107, it ensures that the conveyor belt maintains a good condition under various speed switching conditions, further improving the equipment's ability to cope with complex production scenarios. Whether dealing with the precise transmission of precision PCBs or meeting the frequent speed adjustments during mass production, it can operate smoothly, helping enterprises achieve a more efficient, accurate, and stable production process.

[0035] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the fixed bracket 109 has a first end 191 facing the X-axis, a second end 192 facing the Z-axis, and a third end 193 facing the Y-axis. The first end 191 has a first waist hole 194, and the third end 193 has a second waist hole 195. This three-axis fixed bracket 109 allows products on the track to pass under the bracket when crossing the connecting platform, and the sensors on the fixed bracket 109 can detect the products. The first waist hole 194 at the first end 191 allows adjustment of the mounting position of the fixed bracket 109 on the connecting track 104. The second waist hole 195 at the third end 193 can be used to adjust the position of the second sensor mounted thereon.

[0036] In the embodiments of this application, a lighting lamp 108 is provided at the upper end of the support frame 101. With the lighting lamp 108 at the upper end of the support frame 101, sufficient and concentrated lighting allows operators to promptly detect potential problems such as cold solder joints, short circuits, and component misalignment when inspecting minor defects, solder joint quality, and circuit connections on the PCB board. This effectively prevents defective products from flowing into the next process and improves the overall product quality. Furthermore, in equipment debugging and daily maintenance scenarios, maintenance personnel need to perform delicate operations on numerous components such as the connecting rail 104, sensors, and speed control motor 107. The bright field of vision provided by the lighting lamp 108 allows them to accurately locate fault points and conveniently replace parts, greatly shortening maintenance and debugging time and improving equipment maintainability.

[0037] In an embodiment of this application, the bottom of the support frame 101 is provided with adjustable feet 111. These adjustable feet 111 allow for adjustment based on the flatness of the ground, ensuring the docking platform can be placed stably.

[0038] Furthermore, at least two sliding adjustment rods are provided above the workbench 103 and below the connecting rail 104; at least one of the connecting rails 104 has the upper ends of the two sliding adjustment rods slidably mounted on it. In this application, through the aforementioned sliding adjustment rods, for PCB products of different sizes and specifications, at least two sliding adjustment rods, in conjunction with the slidably mounted connecting rail, can quickly and conveniently adjust the rail spacing. When production tasks change and PCBs of varying widths need to be processed, operators only need to simply operate the sliding adjustment rods to accurately adapt to the PCB width, without the need for complex tools or time-consuming component replacements, greatly improving the equipment's versatility and production changeover efficiency, ensuring that the production line can flexibly respond to diverse order demands.

[0039] In the embodiments of this application, a document rack 110 is also provided on the support frame 101 above the connecting rail 104, which can be used to place working documents, such as operating specifications and other documents.

[0040] As an example, sensors (second sensors) are added to both ends of the docking station's outlet and inlet. Specifically, using a fixing bracket 109, the second sensor, self-tapping screws, M3 hex screws, and electrical tape, the installation steps are as follows: Drill four holes in the plane of the fixing edge at both ends of the docking track 104 to facilitate horizontal adjustment of the fixing bracket; then fix the fixing bracket 109 with self-tapping screws, and tighten the second sensor with M3 hex screws; the wiring method for the added second sensor is to connect it in parallel with the factory-installed sensor, specifically by connecting two DC 24V power lines respectively: the output signal line and the second sensor. The first and second sensors emit light to illuminate different positions, causing the light to shine on different locations on the PCB. Their positions can also be freely adjusted according to actual needs, including the horizontal adjustment of the fixing bracket 109 and the vertical adjustment of the second sensor. When the PCB product passes the sensor, dual sensing is achieved, reducing signal interruption and avoiding sensing abnormalities. This design invention has a wide range of applications, strong adaptability, and can be compatible with all kinds of PCBs with holes. The aforementioned mounting bracket 109 can preferably have a body size of 90*50*60mm and a slot size of 50*4mm. The slot for the screw is designed as a groove, allowing for arbitrary adjustment of the sensor position, avoiding PCB holes, and providing flexibility and convenience for effective sensing. Similarly, the mounting bracket 109 used for the sensor also features a linear slot at the third end 193 where the screw is located, and the second slot 195 is also designed as a linear groove, facilitating sensor position adjustment.

[0041] In this application, the aforementioned connecting platform structure eliminates induction anomalies caused by defects in the PCB itself, such as voids or gaps, leading to interruptions in the induction signal; it reduces the occurrence of abnormal phenomena such as PCB rear-end collisions, stacking, and component collisions, ensuring product quality, improving product first-pass yield, and saving costs, thereby achieving the goal of cost reduction and efficiency improvement. It solves the problem of PCBs being directly scrapped due to rear-end collisions and overlaps caused by induction anomalies during the connecting platform transport process.

[0042] The beneficial effects of this application include: by adding sensors to the docking station, the inherent shortcomings of the original sensors can be compensated for, such as: 1. the abnormalities that occur after the original sensor fails, which are compensated by the sensing signal of the new sensor, so as to avoid the abnormality of PCB sensing signal interruption; 2. enhancing the sensing effect, realizing seamless sensing of PCBs with many and large holes, and maintaining the continuity of the sensing signal; 3. it can be extended to add multiple sensors.

[0043] Although preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0044] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes said element.

[0045] The above provides a detailed description of a docking station provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A docking station, characterized in that, Include: Support frame, wherein the middle is provided with a workbench; The outer side of the workbench is provided with an operation table, and the upper end of the workbench is provided with two parallel connection tracks; The two ends of the connection track are provided with pulleys, and the pulleys are provided with conveying belts; The first end and the tail end of the workbench are provided with first sensors; The first end and the tail end of the connection track are provided with fixed supports above them, and the vertical projection of the upper end of the fixed support is located between the connection tracks; The upper end of the fixed support is provided with a second sensor.

2. The docking station of claim 1, wherein, The lower side of the connection track is provided with a speed regulating motor, and the output end of the speed regulating motor is connected to the conveying belt.

3. The docking station of claim 2, wherein, It also includes a tension wheel, which is located on one side of the speed regulating motor and is connected with the conveying belt.

4. The docking station of claim 1, wherein, The first end of the fixed support is towards the X-axis direction, the second end is towards the Z-axis direction, and the third end is towards the Y-axis direction; The first end is provided with a first waist hole, and the third end is provided with a second waist hole.

5. The docking station of claim 1, wherein, The upper end of the support frame is provided with a lighting lamp.

6. The docking station of claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the support frame is provided with adjustable supporting legs.

7. The docking station of claim 1, wherein, The position of the support frame above the connection track is also provided with a document rack.

8. The docking station of claim 1, wherein, At least two sliding adjusting rods are arranged above the workbench (103) and below the connection track (104). At least one of the connection tracks (104) is slidably arranged on the upper end of the two sliding adjusting rods.

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